Principal Scientist

Hamad Bin Khalifa University

The Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is seeking a highly motivated and visionary Principal Scientist and/or Research Scientist to join their multidisciplinary team tackling critical environmental challenges. Candidates should have strong research track records in sustainable cooling technologies and microclimate regulation addressing energy efficiency and indoor and urban environmental quality. The applications of interest include, but are not limited to: HVAC optimisation and integration of smart sensing, passive and active cooling systems, thermal energy storage, and climate-resilient and sustainable cooling solutions. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about advancing research related to climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental health in the built environment in arid regions.

Successful candidate(s) will lead and support research to deliver QEERI s strategy and the Environment Center s mandate to deliver human-centric, sustainable solutions to protect public health and enhance resilience and wellbeing of people in urban and built environments in Qatar and arid regions. The ideal candidate must possess a strong foundation in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, with a demonstrated ability to translate thermal science into practical energy efficient solutions that support climate adaptation, environmental sustainability goals, and human wellbeing.

• Develop, conduct, and lead strategic R&D focusing on sustainable cooling technologies and microclimate regulation addressing energy efficiency and indoor and urban environmental quality.
• Lead research on sustainable indoor and outdoor cooling solutions, including passive, active, and hybrid approaches.
• Advance understanding of building and landscape materials for thermal performance e.g., phase change materials, porous surfaces, high-albedo coatings, and breathable wall systems.
• Model and simulate thermal flows, comfort indices, and urban heat dynamics using energy and climate analysis tools.
• Design and develop prototypes for cooling technologies optimized for hot and arid climates, including energy-efficient HVAC cooling systems, arid region adapted thermal management, integrating passive and active technologies, material science, HVAC innovation, and climate-responsive technologies.
• Align all designs with green building standards (LEED, BREEAM, WELL, EDGE) and local climate codes.
• Develop advanced numerical simulations (CFD/FEM) and empirical research on cooling systems, thermal comfort, urban heat island, and heat mitigation strategies relevant to Qatar s built environment and urban infrastructure.
• Develop and validate simulation models for building-scale and urban microclimate thermal behavior using tools such as, but not limited to: ANSYS Icepak, FloTHERM, and COMSOL, integrating local climate data and region-specific performance metrics.
• Design and execute laboratory and field-scale experiments to evaluate and validate cooling performance, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.
• Conduct CFD simulations and apply thermal management principles to evaluate and optimize energy use, airflow patterns, and temperature control within buildings and selected urban areas.
• Collaborate with government, academia, and industry partners to support Qatar National Vision 2030 goals related to sustainable development, resource efficiency, and resilient infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development of testbeds and pilot systems for next-generation cooling technologies focused on resilience, indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency.
• Design and operate thermal testing facilities tailored for high ambient temperature and extreme variation in humidity conditions.
• Contribute to the development of pilot projects, including cooling testbeds, green infrastructure, and outdoor thermal comfort solutions.
• Identify innovation opportunities and contribute to R&D roadmaps, support IP development through patents, high-impact journal publications and attraction of competitive funding.
• Mentor interns and junior researchers contribute to capacity building efforts, and support the preparation of competitive research proposals.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Building Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years (post Ph.D.) of relevant R/D or industry experience for a scientist role and 10+ years for the Principal Scientist position.
• Proven experience in thermal management systems, with an emphasis on energy-efficient cooling under extreme climatic conditions.
• Experience in the integration, control and application of smart sensing methods with cooling technologies to deliver human centric solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced thermal management systems, including air/liquid cooling, heat exchangers, TIMs and PCM, heat pipes, and high-power electronics.
• Strong background in CFD modelling and thermal management techniques and methods in the built environment.
• Experience in climate-sensitive infrastructure or cooling technologies projects in arid environments.
• Familiarity with control systems, automation, microelectronics, telecommunications, and HVAC systems.